Proposed Rule2026-08291
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
April 29, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-2A12 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of missing or under torqued fasteners on the slat 2 cove rib 6 brackets. This proposed AD would require a general visual inspection (GVI) of affected fasteners on slat 2 cove rib 6 brackets to determine if all fasteners are installed and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 82 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 82 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23028-23031]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-08291]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-3872; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01421-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-2A12 airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports of missing or under torqued
fasteners on the slat 2 cove rib 6 brackets. This proposed AD would
require a general visual
[[Page 23029]]
inspection (GVI) of affected fasteners on slat 2 cove rib 6 brackets to
determine if all fasteners are installed and applicable on-condition
actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 15,
2026.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-3872; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For Transport Canada material identified in this proposed
AD, contact Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft
Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada;
telephone 888-663-3639; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7521365b341c07021a07011d1c1b100606311c071016011c03100658361a1b061c121b100611101b14031c1214171c191c01105b21363501165b12165b1614"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="da8e99f49bb3a8adb5a8aeb2b3b4bfa9a99eb3a8bfb9aeb3acbfa9f799b5b4a9b3bdb4bfa9bebfb4bbacb3bdbbb8b3b6b3aebff48e999aaeb9f4bdb9f4b9bb">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on the
Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. It is also
available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-3872.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206-231-3195.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brenda Buitrago Perez, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: 516-228-7300; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#695044081f1a440710080a06440a061a290f0808470e061f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c7feeaa6b1b4eaa9bea6a4a8eaa4a8b487a1a6a6e9a0a8b1">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-3872;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01421-T'' at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to
Brenda Buitrago Perez, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7300; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f6cfdb978085db988f979599db959985b6909797d8919980"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5c65713d2a2f7132253d3f33713f332f1c3a3d3d723b332a">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Background
Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has
issued Transport Canada AD CF-2025-46, dated September 2, 2025
(Transport Canada AD CF-2025-46) (also referred to as the MCAI), to
correct an unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-
2A12 airplanes. The MCAI states that there have been reports of missing
or under torqued fasteners on the slat 2 cove rib 6 bracket, which are
common to both the left-hand side (LHS) and right-hand side (RHS). The
MCAI states that if fasteners are missing or under torqued, the bracket
may lose some load carrying capabilities. Stress analysis has
determined that missing cove rib 6 load path may lead to reduced safety
margins and subsequent loss of structural redundancy. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-3872.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
Transport Canada AD CF-2025-46 specifies procedures for a GVI of
affected fasteners on slat 2 cove rib 6 brackets to determine if the
fasteners are installed and applicable on-condition actions. On-
condition actions include making sure that the fasteners are torqued
from 20 to 25 lbf in., performing a GVI for signs of damage (damage
includes but is not limited to permanent deformation, distortion,
cracking, or other visible structural anomalies), repairing any damage
found, and, if there is no damage, installing and torquing new
fasteners.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this NPRM
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in Transport Canada AD CF-2025-46 described previously, except for any
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this
proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some civil aviation
authority (CAA) ADs as the primary source of information for compliance
with requirements for corresponding FAA
[[Page 23030]]
ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with manufacturers and
CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes to incorporate Transport Canada AD
CF-2025-46 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed AD would,
therefore, require compliance with Transport Canada AD CF-2025-46 in
its entirety through that incorporation, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Material required by Transport Canada AD CF-2025-46 for compliance will
be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-3872 after
the FAA final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 36 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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5 work-hours x $85 per hour = $425.................. $0 $425 $15,300
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required actions. The FAA has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this on-condition action:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170... $99 $269
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected operators.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
Bombardier, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2026-3872; Project Identifier MCAI-
2025-01421-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by June 15, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc., Model BD-700-2A12
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Transport
Canada AD CF-2025-46, dated September 2, 2025 (Transport Canada AD
CF-2025-46).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of missing or under torqued
fasteners on the slat 2 cove rib 6 bracket. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition, which if not addressed, could
potentially result in the loss of some load carrying capabilities,
which could result in reduced safety margins and subsequent loss of
structural redundancy.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, Transport Canada AD CF-2025-46.
(h) Exception to Transport Canada AD CF-2025-46
(1) Where Transport Canada AD CF-2025-46 refers to its effective
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
[[Page 23031]]
(2) Where paragraph B. of Transport Canada AD CF-2025-46
specifies ``If fasteners are installed,'', for this AD, replace that
text with ``If fasteners are installed, before further flight,''.
(3) Where paragraph C. of Transport Canada AD CF-2025-46
specifies ``If fasteners are missing,'' for this AD, replace that
text with ``If fasteners are missing, before further flight,''.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in Transport Canada AD CF-2025-
46 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this
AD does not include that requirement.
(j) Additional AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and email to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#aaebe7e5e9eacccbcb84cdc5dc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4a0b0705090a2c2b2b642d253c">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or Transport Canada; or Bombardier, Inc.'s
Transport Canada Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by
the DAO, the approval must include the DAO-authorized signature.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Brenda Buitrago
Perez, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 516-228-7300; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4f76622e393c6221362e2c20622c203c0f292e2e61282039"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="695044081f1a440710080a06440a061a290f0808470e061f">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Transport Canada AD CF-2025-46, dated September 2, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Transport Canada material identified in this AD, contact
Transport Canada, Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification,
159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada; telephone 888-
663-3639; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1145523f507863667e636579787f746262557863747265786774623c527e7f6278767f746275747f706778767073787d7865743f45525165723f76723f7270"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9aced9b4dbf3e8edf5e8eef2f3f4ffe9e9def3e8fff9eef3ecffe9b7d9f5f4e9f3fdf4ffe9fefff4fbecf3fdfbf8f3f6f3eeffb4ced9daeef9b4fdf9b4f9fb">[email protected]</span></a>. You may find this material on
the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca/en/aviation.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#573125793e3924273234233e3839173936253679303821"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cea8bce0a7a0bdbeabadbaa7a1a08ea0afbcafe0a9a1b8">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on April 24, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-08291 Filed 4-28-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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